Branson, like most cities, has had its share of ups and downs through the years. But on Tuesday, an announcement was made about a new business is being constructed in that community.
Fritz’s Adventure is being constructed at Highway 76 and Fall Creek Road, where Silver Fountain Inn used to stand. This indoor climbing facility will be the newest attraction in Branson.
Joel Hornickel is the Director of Planning and Development for the city of Branson.
He said the city has stepped up to the plate and made it appealing for business with a multi-million dollar renovation project like Spirit of 76.
“To invest in highway 76 and bring it back to it’s life that it had back in the 90s and we’re starting to see that now,” Hornickel said.
Hornickel said Spirit of 76 is a “ground floor of a momentum” for economic recovery, paving the way for new businesses like Fritz’s and Ballparks of Branson.
“We try and help anybody who walks in the door, whether it’s a five dollar investment or five million dollar investment,” Hornickel said.
The announcement about Fritz’s Adventures follows a recent green light given to Ballparks of Branson, a facility for youth baseball expected to be constructed at the site of the former “Red Roof Mall” off Gretna Road.
Branson Mayor Karen Best said these projects are a positive step forward.
“It’s going to bring a new demographic of visitor to our community that has probably never been here before,” Mayor Best said.
“That persity in our economy is what we believe will keep us being successful. We don’t want a certain type of development. So we want everybody and anybody to come forward with an idea and find a good place to put it in our community and be successful with it,” Hornickel said.
Mayor Best said Fritz’s Adventure along with Ballparks of Branson should be completed and open by next summer.
Branson leaders said construction plans should be submitted within the next couple of weeks for Fritz’s Adventure, and by the end of the month for Ballparks of Branson.
